Is Your Dog a Canine Escape Artist?

Harry Houdini was a master at escaping from the most precarious of situations. Do you look at your canine
companion and wonder if Houdini was a distant relative? If your dog is an expert escape artist be prepared to tackle the problem using both mental and physical tactics.

Dogs who spayed or neutered are less likely to roam.

Dogs are experts at finding the weakest link-or escape  route to freedom! Whether that be a loose fence board, weak gate hinge-regularly check the perimeter of your yard for any sign of an escape route.

Never leave your dog alone in the backyard. It only takes seconds for someone to open a gate or toss something over the fence that could frighten your dog. Dogs are social animals; your presence offers comfort and security.

Provide your dog with plenty of exercise both inside his or her fenced yard as well as outside. Dogs that are allowed to exercise beyond the fence will not be as curious and will be more content not having to wonder what life is like on the "outside".

If your dog escapes to meet his or her canine friends-try doggy day care! A day of playing with other dogs can
strengthen his or her socialization skills and can really tire him or her out. A tired dog is a good dog! (I Care Petcare's Note: Or, better yet, hire me to give your dog a nice long walk on a regular basis!)

If your dog is digging under the fence, give him a better place to dig. Create a spot in your yard that is stocked
with fun things he can dig up. A sandbox with several toys or stuffed bones that are buried for him to find will keep him occupied in a fun and safe way!

If your dog is a fence climber make sure that there isn't anything next to the fence that may give him a "leg up."
Consider putting some inexpensive 1-foot boarder fencing inside the perimeter of your fence. Place it far enough
away (about 3 feet) so that it interrupts his take-off spot.

Always make sure that your dog's tags are securely attached to his collar. If your dog is not a WHS alum and is not microchipped, consider getting this permanent form of identification.

Obedience classes will offer you and your dog a chance to work together for good behavior and if he or she does
escape, will provide you with the skills to effectively call your dog back home.

Source: Wisconsin Humane Society